Under Western Eyes

Joseph Conrad (3 Dec 1857 – 3 Aug 1924) was an English writer of Polish origin and though he wrote his works in English he always considered himself a Pole. His stories often have nautical setting which is a typical feature of adventure stories. A symbolic meaning can be found in this idea: the author traces the fates of people in the indifferent and strange world. 

Under Western Eyes is a novel by Joseph Conrad, which is set in XIX century Petersburg. The plot revolves around Razumov, a student, with plans on burocratic career. But one day, against his own will, he got involved into the assassination of a civil servant. His best way out this mess is to spy on the person responsible for this turmoil, the real assassin – his close friend Victor. But will he stand the choice between duty and friendship?